How to remove multiple paint layers from an old door?

Hi Karen,

I like to use a paint stripper. Depending on your country, there are some great ones out there that are not as harsh as others. Be sure to wear a mask and do it outside as it can have strong fumes. Depending on the age of the door you could also be dealing with lead paint so keep that in mind when you are getting the paint off. You can also use a palm sander to get some off as well.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Lisa

Hi Karen! You will have to use a stripper to remove all the paint layers. It will be the fastest and most efficient way to remove all the old paint. You can choose a traditional stripper like KleenStrip which will work faster or a less toxic stripper like CitriStrip which will take longer but is far less smelly. Follow the directions when using each product because you apply them differently. Here's some tips: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/strip-multiple-layers-paint-off-wood-doors-29957.html

Karen: maybe this will help

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21193425/safe-paint-strippers

Here is a helpful video on how to remove paint from wood, it shows 3 strippers you can use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwin4Lcxb8c

Citri-Strip paint remover applied with a brush will work. It may take a few applications to get through all the layers. A trick I learned was to apply the Citri-Stirp liberally, cover with a large piece of plastic and let the stripper work, scrape off as much paint as possible and then rrepeat the process, if needed. Sanding would be the final step to remove the last bit of paint.

Thank you for the advice

Paint thinner and a scraper.

I would start with scraping as much as possible. If you have a heat gun and are careful, that will help the process along.

You can also use a chemical stripper.

No matter what you do, it will probably take a few passes since you say it is multiple paint layers.

Once you have removed most of them, you can sand and re finish with stain or paint.

Karen

Here is some ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNkIeayXb4A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ2WKYeYSBE

Thornbys. Can't go wrong 👍